Recommended Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System for Trailer with 800 lb Dry Tongue Weight

Question:

Im looking at the Reese dual cam WD and not entirely sure what the best combo to use. The dry hitch weight on my trailer is 800lbs. I was thinking I would need a tongue weight up to 1500 lbs. As well my hitch is 1 1/2inch higher than the trailer coupling. So I guess Im wondering which shank would be the best fit. I do not have a preference between round or trunnions bars.

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

The Reese Strait-Line with the dual cam sway control works extremely well. The best starting point in choosing a system would be to determine the tongue weight of the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer. To that figure, you'll want to add the weight of anything stowed in the tow vehicle behind the rear axle. This figure will represent your TTW or total tongue weight. I'll link you to an article showing a few methods of finding your TTW. I prefer the higher ground clearance provided by trunnion bar systems.

Ideally, your TTW will fall near the center of the effective range of the system you choose. Let's say for instance your TTW is 900 lbs. In that instance, the Reese # RP66084 would be ideal. The system is effective on trailers with tongue weights from 600-1200 lbs, and would work very well if your TTW was under 1200 lbs. The next step up would be the Reese # RP66130, which is effective on tongue weights of 800-1500 lbs.

The shank included with the # RP66084 would work just fine for the hitch height you mentioned. If you needed the higher capacity # RP66130, the shank is sold separately as part # RP54970. Both systems require a trailer ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank, like part # C40085.

I've also linked you to our Weight Distribution help article.